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The differences between associate mechanical engineers and equipment engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both an associate mechanical engineer and an equipment engineer. Additionally, an equipment engineer has an average salary of $97,539, which is higher than the $71,432 average annual salary of an associate mechanical engineer.
The top three skills for an associate mechanical engineer include CAD, mechanical design and solidworks. The most important skills for an equipment engineer are equipment performance, semiconductor, and project management.
| Associate Mechanical Engineer | Equipment Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $71,432 | $97,539 |
| Hourly rate | $34.34 | $46.89 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 75,091 | 108,449 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
Associate Mechanical Engineers are usually entry-level mechanical engineers hired by the company. They help design and conceptualize mechanical assets, construct and install mechanical parts, and repair mechanical problems in the different machines they work with. Associate Mechanical Engineers should be licensed with specialized knowledge of the different activities involved in the role. They ensure that the model they are making is working properly. They also help out in operating machines and other mechanical equipment needed by the company. They are expected to know the science behind the different machines and the machinations at play.
The duties of an equipment engineer depend on one's organization or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around designing and developing mechanical and electronic equipment, analyzing and improving existing systems, performing customization according to customers' preferences, installing and removing attachments, and conducting regular maintenance procedures. An equipment engineer must also address issues and complaints, providing corrective measures promptly and efficiently. Furthermore, it is essential to coordinate with team members and other specialists, inspect and test new systems, and adhere to the company's policies and regulations.
Associate mechanical engineers and equipment engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Associate Mechanical Engineer | Equipment Engineer | |
| Average salary | $71,432 | $97,539 |
| Salary range | Between $56,000 And $89,000 | Between $69,000 And $136,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Fremont, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Louisiana |
| Best paying company | Koch Industries | Cheniere Energy |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Energy |
There are a few differences between an associate mechanical engineer and an equipment engineer in terms of educational background:
| Associate Mechanical Engineer | Equipment Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Michigan Technological University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between associate mechanical engineers' and equipment engineers' demographics:
| Associate Mechanical Engineer | Equipment Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.8% Female, 12.2% | Male, 91.7% Female, 8.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 8.5% Asian, 15.7% White, 67.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 3.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 15.1% White, 68.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |